Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

Team Federal congratulates Derrick Mein on his recent victory at the 2022 Trap National Championships held at the Halter Shooting Sports Education Center near Hillsdale, Michigan. For the second year in a row, Mein claimed the Men’s Open Event over some stiff competition from members of the U.S. Army’s Marksmanship Unit and Federal and Olympic teammate Brian Burrows.

“I performed very well,” said Federal sponsored shooter Derrick Mein. “With this win, I will be representing the USA at the ISSF World Shotgun Championships in Croatia this September, and I’m excited again to represent USA Shooting at a world competition.”

Mein bested runner-up Will Hinton and third place finisher Glenn Eller to punch his ticket to Osijek, Croatia September 20 through October 11, 2022. Mein got to the finals with a qualifying score of 243 out of 250 and broke 46 of 50 targets in the final.

“This was the first competition I shot Federal’s High Over All 24-gram product in competition and the results speak for themselves,” stated Mein.

The newest competition target load from Federal, High Over All, features the new Podium wad for improved patterns and hard, high antimony lead pellets that reduces deformation and delivers more downrange energy ensuring a trail of broken targets.

Faith Based Security Network 2022 Security Operations Summit

U.S. LawShield®, industry leader in self-defense law and America’s foremost provider of educational resources on safe firearm ownership, is the presenting sponsor of the Faith Based Security Network (FBSN) 2022 Security Operations Summit to be held July 28-30 in Springfield, Missouri. This national convention brings together active first-responders and those serving in church leadership, safety and security roles for training and preparation in sanctuary security from across the country.

The Security Operations Summit is the only vetted church security event in the nation. Invitees comprise active first-responders (uniformed/credentialed officer, responder, or chaplain) or those serving a specific faith-based organization in a leadership or safety/security role.

We’re proud to sponsor FBSN, the only educational event in the nation focused on training faith-based security leaders on best practices for protectors,” said P.J. Hermosa, CEO of U.S. LawShield. “Building responsible gun ownership and safer communities is a priority and fostering FBSN and its educational undertaking fits our mission. One of our members, Jack Wilson, has protected congregations from active shooters, so this initiative really hits home for us,” he added.

U.S. LawShield member Jack Wilson will present at the Security Operations Summit and discuss the importance of faith-based defenders’ training and how intentional safety protocols reduce vulnerability for churchgoers and the community. A U.S. LawShield Independent Program Attorney will answer questions after Wilson’s presentation.

Duck Commander has announced a partnership with leading waterfowl conservation group, Delta Waterfowl. Additionally, Duck Commander front men Phil Robertson and Justin Martin will attend the 2022 Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo in Little Rock, Arkansas this weekend, July 29-31. The partnership will help support Delta Waterfowl in their mission to conserve waterfowl populations and habitats for generations to come.

Duck Commander fans and supporters should visit the Realtree booth (number(s) 23-26 and 49-52) Saturday, July 30 from 1:00 p.m. through 3:00 p.m. for a chance to meet Phil Robertson. Justin Martin will also be at the Realtree booth Friday, July 29 through Sunday, July 31.  

“We are really excited to announce this partnership with Delta and to have the chance to be at the expo in person,” said Justin Martin, general manager for Duck Commander. “As duck hunters, the conservation of waterfowl and habitat is at the top of our list of importance, and we couldn’t be happier to partner with such a key player in conservation.”

Delta Waterfowl is the Duck Hunters Organization, a leading conservation group founded at the famed Delta Marsh in Manitoba. Its U.S. headquarters is in Bismarck, North Dakota. They work to produce ducks through intensive management programs and conservation of breeding duck habitat. Delta conducts vital waterfowl research and promotes and protects the continuing tradition of waterfowl hunting in North America.

About Duck Commander

While the glamour species in the offshore world – tuna, tarpon and marlin – seem to receive all the hype, a large majority of saltwater anglers enjoy the simple joy and excitement of hooking a limit of fluke/flounder, snapper, sea bass and porgies. SPRO meets the needs of those anglers with its new Cannon Ball saltwater jigs, featuring unique Tai rubber skirts rigged with two Gamakatsu 1/0 assist hooks. The jigs are offered in six sizes, each in five different colors.

“Our lure design team focused on a ‘utilitarian’ approach to developing the Cannon Ball jigs,” said SPRO’s Syd Rives. “The objective we meet is a lure designed to be useful and practical to attract and target these species, not at all to attract anglers. Most may hesitate at first to try one, let alone pull one off a tackle shop peg, but our field-testing throughout northeast Atlantic waters, and up-and-down the Atlantic and Gulf coast show these jigs attract fish.”

Working the jig close to the bottom slowly and allowing it to swim and drift provides the most action. It’s ideal when fishing over the bottom species structure and equally effective over shallower-water reefs. 

The Cannon Ball jigs, offered in five lure weights from 85 to 340 grams (3- to 12-oz.), come in a variety of colors, including Mirror Blue, Tequila Sunrise, Key Lime Pie, Bloody Mary and Peach Glow.

Cannon Ball Specs:

TrueTimber has released a new lineup of apparel that embraces everything about the more casual days outside or during the offseason. The collection offers an extensive selection of Lifestyle and Performance Tees that can be worn year-round as well as new offerings in the popular Twin Reef Shorts, with all the needed durability and features one can expect for being out and about during the warmer months. TrueTimber continues to offer premium styles throughout every season, and this new collection of lifestyle apparel is no exception.

The TrueTimber Lifestyle Tee collection allows for TrueTimber fans to show support while never sacrificing comfort or style. With each design prioritizing both performance and comfort, every shirt offers stretch, moisture wicking and antimicrobial fabrics to ensure the summer heat is never an obstacle. Each design is constructed with high-tech material blends and tagless back labels to provide comfort all day long–whatever the occasion may be. With sizes ranging from S-3XL, the perfect everyday tee is available to all. TrueTimber lifestyle tees are available in a wide range of colors and designs. MSRP $9.99-$29.99. See the entire lineup of lifestyle tee here.

TrueTimber Twin Reef Shorts offer total functionality and comfort on the bass boat or into town. The 180 GSM polyester makeup ensures the shorts remain lightweight and breathable while the insta-dry micro woven body fabric continues to keep the cool as the summer months progress. Functionality is not lost in the Twin Reef shorts, with an easy access cargo pocket to accompany the two front and two back pockets. As is expected with all TrueTimber products, quality is at the forefront of the Twin Reef shorts. With reinforced belt loops and lined pockets, it is a sure thing that this new line will last all summer and many to come. The Twin Reef shorts are available to purchase in Black, Khaki, Moon Mist or Gibraltar Sea offerings. MSRP $29.99. See the lineup of Twin Reef shorts here.

To learn more about the entire TrueTimber product line and see all available patterns, visit TrueTimber.com. Details about future product launches can be found on TrueTimber’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

About TrueTimber

YETI is expanding the Panga line into a second colorway, a sharp and sophisticated Tan that looks as good in the field as it does in the city. The Panga has been a beast of a product over the last several years but the grey colorway was not for everyone. I am excited to see it in tan and I am hopeful that YETI will launch this line up in a few more colors over the coming years. I am already yearning for a Panga 50 Duffel as an outstanding carry on bag for day-to-day quick trips.

The Waterproof Panga Line

The Panga keeps your gear dry and excels at offering a product for those who really need to have dry gear no matter what. YETI warrants the bag as being 100% dry after being submersed for 30 minutes at under a meter of water. I have never seen this leak water and I have had it bouncing around the back of my pickup truck in torrential situations. I do not hesitate to put everything in this bag, from my camera and audio gear to my hunting electronics, that I do not want damaged. As well, the Panga 50 makes the perfect carry on bag on short quick flights.

The material is easy to keep clean with a little bit of Dawn dish soap and some elbow grease. I have no problem pulling it out of the back of the truck and dropping it onto the ground even in muddy conditions because I know that I can just hose it off. This bag is the ultimate duffel and the ultimate dry pack regardless of where you are traveling in the world. 

The Panga does not have a locking zipper which I miss. The reality is that anyone with a serious knife could just cut a locking zipper open, but I would still love to have a locking zipper to discourage anyone from attempting to break in and for general security on international trips. Of course, these bags are not really built for international travel but instead are built for everything from the rafting trip down the Colorado River to the top of a kayak to a hunt into the backcountry. The Panga line excels anywhere you have gear and clothes that you need to keep dry and protected.

The Hydralok Zipper works easily and once you pull it closed, it will stay closed. I use this pack with small packing cubes for gear, clothes and the tools that I need. Pro tip: I generally color code my packing cubes so I know that my orange bag holds my camera and my yellow one is my ditty bag, etc. so I can quickly reach in and grab the gear that I need. The two internal zippered mesh pockets are great for holding keys and other smaller objects. The duffels in 50, 75 and 100 have removable backpack straps for easy carrying. There are lash down points all over the bags which makes it easy to strap in to a boat or on a plane. It also makes it easy to connect things like water bottles and other gear to the side of the bag to keep your hands free.

As the hunting season fast approaches, there is a lot to prepare. Perhaps you are considering cleaning your favorite hunting gun or making a few adjustments on your bow. But have you considered prepping your dog for the hunting trip?

Whether your dog is a seasoned hunter or a new fledging novice, it is crucial to prepare them before you head into the bushes for your next hunting trip. Proper preparations ensure a successful hunting session and your dog’s safety.

Invest in Safety Gear

When going hunting, you are not the only one that needs safety gear. Since you are heading into the wilderness, your dog needs protective gear to stay safe. One of the things you should buy before hitting the trails is a hiking harness for dogs. A harness is a huge improvement over a collar since it reduces the pressure on the dog’s neck. Its primary purpose is to allow you better control of your dog and prevent it from slipping away.

Besides a harness, you might want to buy a break-away orange reflective vest. Wearing this vest ensures other hunters can easily see your dog, reducing the chances of accidents in the event the two of you get separated.

Training

Unlike your gun or bow, you can’t store your hunting dog in your garage or basement as you wait for the next season. Unfortunately, that means your canine friend won’t be in the best shape when the next hunting season comes. So, it might be a great idea to devote at least 30 minutes of your day to train your dog, 2 weeks before the hunting trip.

Shimano’s Billfish Concept Spinning Reel Blends Precision Engineering with Enduring Craftsmanship

Every inch counts when a billfish is within reach, and the all-new Saragosa SW BFC provides the competitive advantage elite anglers need to close the gap when a tournament check or world record is on the line. Nearly a decade since the introduction of the Talica 20 BFC – the most in-demand saltwater conventional reel on the market – Shimano furthers the Billfish Concept lineup with Saragosa SW BFC: The new benchmark for performance and durability when casting live baits to surface feeding billfish. 

Anglers across the globe value Shimano’s Saragosa SW spinning reels for impressive winding power, strength and protection from the elements. New for 2022, the upgraded Saragosa SW lineup features a BFC model designed entirely for light-tackle billfishing with 12-, 16- and 20-pound-test monofilament main lines. The flagship Saragosa SW BFC features a more gradual drag curve that delivers a lower drag output when targeting billfish using circle hooks and light fluorocarbon leader.

Tournament anglers fishing for double, triple and quad hookups put a premium on retrieve speed, and Saragosa SW BFC boasts the industry’s fastest spinning reel retrieve rate at 56 inches of line per crank with a 6.2:1 gear ratio. This enables anglers to quickly react to billfish changing directions and charging the boat, whether backing down in a sportfish or powering ahead from the bow of a center console. 

On South Florida’s elite live bait sailfish circuit, teams often scale down to 5/0 circle hooks and 30-pound fluorocarbon leader to fool wary fish. In this arena, spinning reels are highly advantageous, allowing teams to capitalize on tailing sailfish, free-jumping sails, and free-swimming fish following hooked sails to the boat. It is often necessary to cast baits far enough to reach sailfish feeding on the surface without spooking them, especially in clear water with excellent visibility.

Remington Ammunition will be on site as a Bluebill level sponsor and attendee of the 2022 Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo  in Little Rock, Arkansas. Fans should visit the Remington booth to see the full assortment of Big Green ammunition and for a chance to win various prizes. Additionally, attendees will also be able to purchase exclusive Remington merchandise. The event is set to take place July 29-31 at the Little Rock Statehouse Convention Center.

“We are very excited to be at the Delta Waterfowl Expo,” said Remington’s Director of Marketing Joel Hodgdon. “Remington’s been part of the Arkansas conservation community since our Lonoke, AR factory was built in the 60’s. We see no better place to meet fans and talk to duck hunters than the duck hunting capital of the world. It is an honor to support Delta in their mission.”

The 2022 Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo will have presentations and experiences related to hunting, conservation and heritage. With something for everyone, attendees can find the latest in duck hunting while experiencing expert seminars, raffles, a duck dog parade, contests and more. Tickets are available at www.deltawaterfowlexpo.com for general admission and some special events.

Delta Waterfowl is the Duck Hunters Organization, a leading conservation group founded at the famed Delta Marsh in Manitoba. Its U.S. headquarters is in Bismarck, North Dakota. They work to produce ducks through intensive management programs and conservation of breeding duck habitat. Delta conducts vital waterfowl research and promotes and protects the continuing tradition of waterfowl hunting in North America.

To be the first to hear about product availability, exciting new products and everything Remington ammo, visitors to www.remington.com are encouraged to sign up for Remington’s e-newsletter or follow Remington on social media.

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) and “Hunting Matters” welcomes Mike Arnold, Author, Bringing Back The Lions: International Hunters, Local Tribespeople, and the Miraculous Rescue of a Doomed African Ecosystem.

Native Texan Mike Arnold is a research scientist and outdoor writer with more than 140 published articles, including feature pieces in such magazines as Sports Afield, Hunter’s Horn, Safari Magazine, and African Hunting Gazette.

Mike recently released his new book titled Bringing Back The Lions: International Hunters, Local Tribespeople, and the Miraculous Rescue of a Doomed African Ecosystem.

The hunter’s horn blew early for Mike. Taking his first whitetail near San Saba while hunting with his father at the age of five was a transformative experience. From that time forward, Mike has spent months each year pursuing game animals – from quail and rabbits behind his parents’ house, to kudu and leopard in Africa. Mike combines his love of writing, science, and hunting to record his adventures. He often covers the role hunters and their organizations play in ecosystem restoration and conservation. He has produced a series of articles on key stakeholders highlighting how sport hunting leads to the conservation of habitats and wildlife. To learn more about Mike visit https://arnoldoutdoorwriter.com.

About Hunting Matters
Tune in to “Hunting Matters” with Houston Safari Club Foundation Executive Director Joe Betar as he engages in conversations with guests, from various backgrounds, who have a passion for hunting and conservation. Great discussions, news, hunting legislation updates and more! “Hunting Matters” airs each Saturday, 6am-7am CDT on KPRC AM 950 – Real Texas, Real Talk, a Houston iHeartMedia station, and Houston’s longest running radio station. “Hunting Matters” is also available via podcast on Apple/iTunes, iHeartMedia, Google, Overcast, PodBean and Spreaker. Subscribe, listen and provide a review and rating. Hunting Matters is a 2022 Gold AVA Digital Award and 2022 NYX/Marcom Silver Award Winner. 

Stevens Shotguns has added yet another quality addition to the lineup of over/under shotguns with the introduction of the 555 Sporting model. With new added features, the 555 Sporting is designed specifically with the sporting clays and trap shooter in mind.

“The 555 over/under shotguns come in at an affordable price point but maintain the quality and usability of which is associated with the Stevens line of shotguns”, said Jessica Treglia, Senior Brand Manager for Savage Arms. “The 555 Sporting model further adds to this unparalleled line of over/unders with a diverse set of features ideal for the competitive shooter.”

The lightweight aluminum alloy receiver on the 555 Sporting is scaled to gauge and incorporates a steel insert that reinforces the breech, minimizing weight and maximizing strength. Added features like a raised ventilated rib with mid-bead and front fiber optic sight give shooters a competitive advantage and the adjustable cheek riser accommodates any framed shooter at a price that’s unmatched among comparable models.

Features include:

Caliber / Barrel Length / Chamber / Overall Length / Capacity / MSRP

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – Those in attendance at the 2022 National Three-Position Precision Championships might have been feeling some déjà vu.

At last year’s event, which was held in two different locations to accommodate COVID restrictions, Texas Hill Country Shooters set a new Team 3×20 national record score in the Junior Olympic (JO) match. Texas Hill returned in 2022 to not only fire a new Team 3×20 national record in the JO event but also turned around to break and set a new record in the CMP competition the next day – reaching an overall score of 2379-200X. Team members included Elizabeth Probst, Braden Peiser, Camryn Camp and Briley Sralla.

The National Three-Position Precision Air Rifle Championships were held at the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Gary Anderson Competition Center at Camp Perry, Ohio, July 13-15, 2022. The two-day junior event featured the Junior Olympic National 3PAR (three-position air rifle) match along with the CMP National 3PAR match.

Individual winners were chosen each day through a three-position elimination final, where the top eight qualifying athletes started from a score of 0.0 and fired shots at prone, kneeling and standing positions to accumulate aggregate scores. Lowest scores were eliminated from the final until only one remained. Overall winning teams were also determined from four-person qualifying aggregates from each day’s scores.

“This event brings out the best junior air rifle shooters, and this year was no exception,” said Katie Harrington, CMP program coordinator and match director for the National Three-Position Championships. “The scores this year were very impressive. We had over 25 individuals fire in the 590s each day, and we got to watch some very exciting finals. It was great to have all the competitors back firing shoulder-to-shoulder this year.”

Investment in grasslands and sagebrush steppe ecosystems will drive voluntary, science-based conservation efforts

Today, in an effort to protect and expand iconic grassland landscapes for wildlife, ranchers, and rural communities, more than two dozen of North America’s leading conservation groups are touting the introduction of the North American Grasslands Conservation Act by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon — co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado. If passed, the bill will widely be considered one of the most significant steps for grassland conservation efforts in the 21st century.

“Grasslands are an essential American landscape, supporting the livelihoods of farmers, ranchers and Tribes like those in my home state of Oregon. They’re home to iconic — yet threatened — wildlife and have serious potential to help in the fight against the climate emergency. Yet, wildfires, invasive grasses and degradation, and more leave America’s grasslands imperiled. They are disappearing before our eyes,” Senator Wyden said. “By finally establishing a national strategy and empowering landowners to protect their lands, this legislation will go far in restoring and conserving these open spaces.”

The North American Grasslands Conservation Act would help kickstart the voluntary protection and restoration of grasslands and sagebrush shrub-steppe ecosystems – and the livelihoods and wildlife that depend on them – by creating a landowner-driven, voluntary, incentive-based program to conserve these imperiled landscapes. There’s urgency right now to maintain these systems for agriculture, wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, and for future generations while supporting ranchers, farmers, Tribal Nations, sportsmen and women, and rural communities.

Highlighting the Act’s timely introduction, grasslands and sagebrush shrub-steppe landscapes are considered some of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet. More than 70 percent of America’s tallgrass, mixed grass, and shortgrass prairies have vanished, followed by the precipitous decline of grassland bird populations – more than 40 percent since 1966.  Additionally, the grazing lands that have sustained generations of ranchers are dwindling and species from pronghorn and elk to bobwhite quail and pheasants are struggling to navigate places they used to call home.

Shimano Debuts Legendary Trevala B Casting and Spinning Rods

New for 2022, Shimano’s Trevala B continues the legacy of an iconic crossover rod series. Engineered for maximum versatility — jigging, tossing lures or live baiting — the TC4 blank construction arms multi-species anglers with lightweight rods providing unmatched durability and Moderate Fast action. Trevala B enhancements and refinements broaden the appeal of a proven rod family to a wider range of fish and anglers. 

From tip to butt, Shimano tailored every aspect of Trevala B to align with the diverse fishing techniques saltwater anglers employ. With its well-balanced rod lineup, Trevala B leverages proven TC4 Construction, wrapping two layers of T-glass with inner and outer spirals of high modulus graphite fibers. Fiberglass provides the durability, action and powerful arc that saltwater anglers demand, while graphite makes the blanks lighter and more sensitive. The high carbon butt section fused together with the TC4 tip section reduces rod twist and enables greater lure action and control. The new Trevala B series of rods also provides a faster recovery rate, which increases action when working a jig.

With 8 casting models and 7 spinning rods designed for use with PowerPro braided line, the all-new Trevala B series delivers an assortment of rods with different lengths, powers, actions and purpose. Traditional 5’8” and 6’ rods popular for jigging complement longer models ideal for casting large live baits and lures. Power ratings start Extra Extra Heavy and move down to Light as rods get longer. The Trevala B family delivers refined rod models to match specific applications and fisheries. 

Every Trevala B rod features corrosion-resistant SeaGuide Aluminum Oxide guides. Casting rods incorporate K-style guides while spinning models feature single-foot guides, both with deep-drawn frames to help protect the guide inserts.

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA.— To enhance the management and land control needs of recreational areas of all scope and sizes, iSportsman is now offering customizable pricing and packaging options for agencies, organizations and companies that offer recreational management on their lands. iSportsman works with clients who serve more than 400,000 recreationists across 10.6 million acres of forest, fields, trails and waterways in the continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii. The new pricing offers those interested in iSportsman the ability to adjust the features necessary to manage their program and keep within budget.

Organizations can now get iSportsman for as low as $5,999 with the Core Service Package. Other competitively priced packages, such as the Sales Package and the Lottery Package, range from $7,999 to $9,999.

Features in these packages include but are not limited to:

For the full suite of services iSportsman also offers the Unlimited Package which starts at $34,999 and offers the following features:

Additional options and add-ons can be included in any package deal.

Barnett’s TS380 is a crossbow in a league of its own. The TS380 boasts premium components, performance features, and great speed at an incredible price. This lightweight crossbow gains the tactical advantage over competing models with its adjustable stock and strategically located Picatinny rails for optics and accessories. For a one-size-fits-all crossbow, look no further than the TS380.

The TS380 builds on Barnett’s reputation for designing high-performance hunting crossbows. At just over 32 in. long, it’s perfect for use inside a blind. At the same time, a magnesium riser lightens the crossbow to a mere 6.9 lbs, so hunters on the move or in a treestand will love it too. 

The adjustable butt stock allows quick length-of-pull adjustments. This versatility enables the crossbow to be used comfortably by different-sized shooters. This crossbow is adjustable to fit kids, women & men. It’s also handy on cold days when bulky layers may require shortening the stock or the opposite as the temperature increases. The Tactical Series stock on the TS380 includes graduation marks for quickly returning the stock to a favored position. Another nicety is its rubberized areas on the pistol grip and foregrip for improved comfort and hold.

Several TS380 features enhance its stealth and quietness in the woods. Dual string stops quiet string slap, and an anti-vibration foot stirrup, made of a dampening rubberized material, absorbs additional vibration from the shot. And Barnett engineers left nothing to chance—the stirrup is large enough to fit a bulky hunting boot. The Barnett TS380 wears a digital gray wrap that adds stealth in the woods and turns heads back at camp.

Like all Barnett crossbows, safety is paramount on the TS380. Its Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) trigger system automatically engages upon cocking the crossbow; it cannot fire without loading and securing a bolt under the patented Soft Lok™ floating bristle arrow retainer. An ambidextrous safety provides comfort for both left- and right-handed shooters. The crossbow’s generous pass-through foregrip keeps the hunter’s hand in a safe position.

Lafayette, LA – Grey Man Tactical™ introduces the feature-rich #203 Rifle Rack package with the brand-new RMP™ Muzzle Cup Kit. Safely secure your rifle, muzzle-down, housed in the Muzzle Cup Kit for a solid mounting solution for most muzzle devices. The rubber-coated steel cup kit not only secures the muzzle but also protects it from unnecessary wear and tear for ultimate protection.

The #203 package was created for customers who wanted a better way to store and transport a rifle muzzle down and still have access to magazines and gear. The QuickFist® clamp complements the rifle mount, which securely holds the buffer tube of any AR15. Two AR15 mag pouches and a large utility pouch complete the package, providing additional storage for magazines and gear.

The #203 Vehicle Rifle Rack – Muzzle Cup Kit + Rubber Clamp – 15.25 X 25 RMP™ Package contents include:

QTY 1 – 15.25 X 25 RMP™
QTY 1 – Buckle Loop-Around + D-Ring Strap RMP Strap™ Black [Headrest]
QTY 1 – Buckle Loop-Around RMP Strap™ Black [Seat Bottom]
QTY 1 – QuickFist® Go-Between Clamp – Enlarged [Handguard] + RMP Backer Plates
QTY 1 – RMP™ Muzzle Cup Kit – Standard or XL Cup
QTY 1 – RMP™ Buttstock – 6″ Extension – Black Anodized
QTY 2 – G-Code® Soft Shell Scorpion Mag Carrier [Rifle] – Black
QTY 1 – Large Utility Pouch

MSRP $419.99

Sea to Summit Stretch-Loc TPU Straps Set are a new take on a very established accessory. We have used straps like these before for everything you can think of in and around camp and while hunting. These straps come with a differentiation: the strap retainer, which serves as an anti-slip tool to keep the strap solidly on whatever you attach it to. 

I first learned of these from friends who were seriously into skiing, climbing and bike-packing.  This version with the strap retainer allows you to secure any item to a hard surface. A couple of sets of these will become a strong part of our kit going forward. We were able to take two of these straps and secure our shovel to the side of the roof rack on the Tacoma. This kept the shovel out of our way on a recent turkey trip and locked on the side of the truck through the remainder of turkey season. 

I would have no problem recommending these straps to anyone who needs to secure gear, etc.  Securing that shovel to the side of the roof rack and running up and down dirt ranch roads without any shifting or movement or rubbing on the rack or the shovel proved to me how secure these Stretch-Loc straps are. Knowing this, I will never be in a situation in which these are not in the gear box ready to deploy if we need them. These are strong, tough and better than bungee straps without question.

Order them directly from Sea to Summit.

FEATURES OF THE SEA TO SUMMIT STRETCH LOC TRU STRAPS SET

There are various quality brand hearing protection products on the market; most of those products allow by-pass of voice and ambient sounds and a few of those products include hearing “enhancement.” None offer “pursuit-based hearing enhancement” among all these products except one. TETRA Hearing™ offers hunters both hearing protection and pursuit-based hearing enhancement in their Shield Series and Amp Series products.

Why hearing protection is critical, and pursuit-based enhancement is important

Sound is measured by decibels (dB), and studies have proven that hearing loss can occur when sounds reach 85 dB or higher. Hearing loss happens in varying degrees from a single gun blast or gradually when repeatedly exposed to sounds above 85 decibels. In comparison, a household vacuum cleaner can measure 70 dB, lawnmowers and shop tools vary from 80 to above 120 dB, turkey and duck calls can measure up to 120 dB, average firearms can measure above 140 dB, and big-bore rifles and shotguns can measure more than 175 dB. Once a person’s hearing is impaired from exposure to loud noises, the damage is permanent and cannot be reversed. Taking those measurable numbers and instances into consideration, protection against hearing loss and damage should be every shooter’s most critical priority.

Hunters face a unique dilemma when donning many brands of hearing protection–the inability to hear the hunt. Hearing the sounds of the woods while in pursuit of wild game is a significant factor in the hunt’s success. With all of the brands currently on the market designed for shooting sports, there is one thing in common—they all protect the user’s hearing from damage, and a few even amplify the hunt. Albeit, ALL of the hunt, the hunter’s footsteps, wind, rain, insect noises, birds chirping, and all of this at these sounds on the same level. None of the products offer accurate “pursuit-based amplification.” Simply put, no product until the introduction of TETRA Hearing™ has been able to isolate and amplify important game animal sounds while keeping ambient sounds a hunter doesn’t want to hear low and unobstructed.

Why most hearing protection/enhancement products are inadequate

Many hunters have purchased electronic inner-ear devices advertised to protect their ears from harmful sounds and allow them to hear game animals in the wild but often find that the product worked well for hearing protection but failed in what they needed for amplification of the game animal they were hunting. The enhancement feature included all ambient sounds in their immediate surroundings, such as leaves rustling in the wind, wind blowing, birds chirping, the chorus of insects, and the sounds of footsteps while stalking. This results in a hunter being virtually unable to hear game animals they are pursuing beyond the preys’ nearest approach if they are even lucky to hear them at that point. It is very disappointing to find that their investment was for a product that offered amplification of all ambient sound with the added protection from harmful sounds but was useless for game sound enhancement and not ideal for the successful pursuit of wild game. More often than not, this situation causes hunters to remove the devices after enduring what is no longer the subtle sounds of nature, leaving them exposed to harmful sounds.

What makes TETRA Hearing™ different

TETRA Hearing™ offers a simple to use innovative technology allowing its products to be like no other. TETRA Hearing™ introduced Specialized Target Optimization™ (STO) to hunters that isolates and enhances critical sounds for success in their pursuit of game animals with a simple tap of the unit while wearing it. The technology identifies and separates the exact frequencies used to enhance critical sounds for waterfowl hunting; gobbles, clucks, yelps for turkey hunting; bugles for elk hunting; grunts and bleats for deer hunting; and voices on the range. The enhancement of these wild game sounds is separated from the sounds hunters don’t need to interpret, such as rustling leaves in the wind, raindrops, the hunter’s footfall, and the brush of materials in the stand. Above and beyond enhancing ambient sounds a hunter does want to hear, the AlphaShields protects hunters from damaging sounds such as gun blasts and loud, repetitive calls from game calls. 

The Edge Experts at Smith’s Deliver Value to All Anglers

Anglers need quality knives, tools, and accessories – just as much as rods, reels, and tackle – to catch fish and have fun on every trip. At ICAST 2022, the Edge Experts at Smith’s Consumer Products will introduce new accessories and value-added kits to help every angler meet with success, both on and off the water. 

Smith’s Mr. Crappie Slab Slanger Cut-Resistant Gloves are designed for safe fish handling and processing in any kind of weather. These non-slip gloves are manufactured from food-grade high-performance polyethylene, which is four times stronger than leather and provides Cut Level 5 protection for your hands – perfect when cleaning fish with Smith’s razor-sharp fillet knives. Slab Slanger Cut-Resistant Gloves are both machine- and hand-washable and shrink-resistant. The glove material is manufactured for maximum breathability, so your hands stay cool and comfortable while transforming fresh fish into perfect fillets. Avid anglers will appreciate that Smith’s Slab Slanger Cut-Resistant Gloves provide welcome hand protection during other activities using sharp equipment or materials, both outdoors and in the home. With an MSRP of $15.99, pairs of Smith’s Mr. Crappie Slab Slanger Cut-Resistant Gloves are available in size XL and make their debut in the ICAST 2022 New Product Showcase in the Fishing Accessories Category.

Smith’s RegalRiver Ice Fishing Tool Kit is perfect for both run-and-gun ice anglers and groups spending weekends in a hard house. Toothy fish like pike and walleyes are common targets through the ice, so Smith’s tool kit includes a 9-inch Jaw Spreader to safely remove hooks and reduce damage to fish destined for release. Unhook fish and cut line and leader easily using a 6.5-inch Stainless Steel Pliers and Line Scissors combo, complete with a convenient Sheath and belt hook. Trim knots to perfection using a handy Line Clipper, perfect for use with gloved hands. Clean a mess of panfish using Smith’s new 4-inch Folding Flex Fillet Knife. Collect all these essential ice fishing tools in one place using Smith’s marine-grade Mesh Tool Bag, perfect for stowing in a bucket or sled, mounting on a snow machine, or hanging in a shelter. Smith’s RegalRiver Ice Fishing Tool Kit has an MSRP of $84.99 and makes its debut in the Ice Fishing Category in the ICAST 2022 New Product Showcase.

Smith’s RegalRiver 7- Inch Fillet Knife Combo is perfect for all anglers looking for a high-quality fillet knife and a perfectly-matched two-stage sharpener. The 7-inch razor-sharp blade is forged from 400-series stainless steel and shines in both fresh and saltwater. The knife features an ergonomic, non-slip soft grip handle with a tether-ready lanyard hole and a molded plastic sheath to protect the blade and guard against accidents. The kit’s two-stage pull-through sharpener keeps the knife ready for action, and also includes hook-sharpening grooves and an integrated line cutter. An excellent choice for the value-conscious, Smith’s RegalRiver 7-Inch Fillet Knife Combo has an MSRP of $24.99.